2015 Porsche Cayenne Spy Video

Porsche is readying an update for its second-generation Cayenne SUV, which was introduced for 2011 and is just about due for its mid-cycle update. The changes will bring the sporty SUV’s styling into line with that of the smaller and more dynamic Macan and should keep sales brimming into the new year (Porsche sold 18,507 Cayennes in 2013, up from 15,545 the previous year).

The updated Cayenne is expected to make its world debut at either the 2014 New York Auto Show or 2014 Beijing Auto Show, both of which are taking place in the spring. Sales should commence shortly after, making this a 2015 model.

As our spy video shows, the 2015 Cayenne looks to be sporting some new bumpers and revised lights at both ends. New exhaust-tip mountings are also present on the prototypes. Look for some minor tweaks in the cabin, too.

The major changes will be taking place beneath the skin. As we also saw with the 2014 Panamera update, the 2015 Cayenne S will likely see its naturally aspirated V-8 engine replaced by a new twin-turbocharged V-6 featuring a swept capacity of 3.0 liters and developing about 420 horsepower.

A new 2015 Cayenne S E-Hybrid model should also be launched, most likely as a replacement for the current Cayenne S Hybrid. This model will feature the same plug-in hybrid powertrain introduced on the 2014 Panamera S E-Hybrid, whose gasoline V-6 and electric motor combo provides a combined 416 horsepower of motive force, electric driving range of approximately 22 miles, and claimed fuel economy of up to 75 mpg.

Although it’s yet to be confirmed, it’s also possible that the current Cayenne Diesel’s 240-horsepower V-6 may be replaced by a stouter 300-horsepower unit which has already been added to the Panamera Diesel sold overseas. And finally, further down the track, updated versions of the Cayenne Turbo and Cayenne Turbo S should be launched, with the latter likely to match the 570 horsepower of the latest Panamera Turbo S.

Inside, all 2015 Cayennes will come with Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission, except the Cayenne S E-Hybrid and Cayenne Diesel, which will make do with an eight-speed auto. There will also be some tech updates on the updated SUV. Expect the full range to adopt a new multifunction steering wheel and safety features such as adaptive cruise control system with automatic braking, and camera-based traffic sign detection and lane departure warning systems.